Internet privacy practices of news media and implications for online journalism

Abstract

In light of increases in online privacy concerns, use of online news sites, and news site data mining, a content analysis of 405 news media websites assessed information collection strategies and related privacy practices which impact on the relationship of news sources and news users. Sites from four categories of media types (Daily News, Internet Media, Magazines, and Weeklies) were coded for use of “cookies” and other information collection strategies, as well as the posting and content of privacy policies. Although 81.7 percent of sites collected information, only 37.8 percent provided any form of disclosure of privacy practices. While the use of cookies was prevalent (68.4 percent), less than a quarter of these sites disclosed such practices. Among sites that addressed Fair Information Practices, Notice, Choice, and Redress appeared most frequently, followed by Access and Security. Policies generally neglected to address Fair Information Practices with regard to third parties. The discrepancy between information practices and information disclosure is discussed with respect to Internet self-regulation and Federal Trade Commission findings.